RBC, 27.11.2007, Moscow 11:56:55.Trade between Russia and Finland could reach EUR15bn in 2007, Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov announced during talks with his Finnish counterpart Matti Vanhanen. According to Zubkov, trade between the two countries amounted to EUR13bn in 2006, and has been growing rapidly since, with positive shifts also seen in investment cooperation. Cooperation between Russia and Finland can be singled out as one that is result-oriented, the PM specified.

Zubkov pointed out that negotiations would center not only on traditional areas of cooperation, but also high technology and nanotechnology. Moreover, Russia is interested in learning about Finland's experience in innovative development, the PM added.

In turn, Vanhanen noted that relations between the two countries enjoyed positive development and steady growth, as Finland's investment in the Russian economy, which currently stands at EUR2bn, has been rising continuously. Finnish investors are primarily interested in the forest industry, as well as the consumer services and high technology sectors.